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Steven Bauer
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Hi, guys —
- Can I go to Heaven if I am not baptized but want to be a child of God and Jesus?
Steven
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{
Can I go to Heaven if I am not baptized but want to be a child of God and Jesus? }
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Paul replied:
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Dear Steven,
If someone wants to be a child of God and Jesus, they would want to get baptized. Baptism is the sacrament that enables a person to become a child of God.
If someone who knows about baptism is legitimately unable to get baptized, for whatever reason, his or her desire to be baptized could suffice.
As the Catechism tells us, God can work outside of His sacraments for those who love Him. However, when the opportunity arises, one should be baptized as soon a possible.
Peace,
Paul
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Mike replied:
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Dear Steven,
Jesus Himself tells us that Baptism is required for salvation in the Scriptures; this has been passed down to us by Oral Tradition as well.
Nevertheless to answer your question:
Yes, you can, if you truly want to!
Your question itself, implies a desire to be baptized or what the Church calls a baptism of desire (See paragraph 1258). You just have to follow through with the calling of the Holy Spirit in your life. Doing nothing, when you can do something, is not an option.
I recommend you make an appointment with a Catholic priest at a Catholic parish that is local to you. He can guide you through the process of becoming part of our family! This posting may help you understand the issues involved better:
If this posting and the two others ones in it, don't answer your question, just follow-up with us.
Mike
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Baptism of Desire:
1258 The Church has always held the firm conviction that those who suffer death for the sake of the faith without having received Baptism are baptized by their death for and with Christ. This Baptism of blood, like the desire for Baptism, brings about the fruits of Baptism without being a sacrament.
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Steven replied:
- So I can, as long as truly want to be part of Jesus's family and religion, and believe He died for my sins?
Steven
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Mike replied:
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Hi, Steve —
Yes, you can, but true desire without actions is hypocrisy.
Like I said:
I recommend you make an appointment with a Catholic priest at a Catholic parish that is local to you. He can guide you through the process of becoming part of our family!
Mike
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Steven replied:
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Thank you Mike.
You see I am a 14-year-old corrupt youth with the sin that a normal 14-year-old usually has and
I don't want to die one day and go to Hell for such silly ways that could have been easily prevented.
Steven
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Mike replied:
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Dear Steven,
Your reply shows an amazing maturity for a person of your age.
It's important to remember that there is no sin that is so corrupt and so grievous that the Lord Jesus will not forgive. He was a man like us in all things but sin, so He understands our temptations and struggles.
After you touch base with a priest, I recommend you make an appointment. If you have any other questions about the faith don't hesitate coming back to ask us. Just go to the AskACatholic Knowledge base tab on our site.
Mike
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Eric replied:
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Steven —
Also, I'd start with developing a relationship with Jesus, asking for the gift of faith, and committing yourself to follow Jesus and do his will wherever it leads you.
Put Christ first in your life in everything (as you have already begun to do) and surrender all to Him, and He will take care of you. Trust in Him totally!
Eric
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